Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel is one of the most popular contemporary furniture stores in America. Crate and Barrel has an interesting history, and interesting future. Let's take a look at their storied past and bright future.

History of Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel began in the 60s, as Gordon and Carole Segal toured Europe on their honeymoon. They were impressed by the simple-yet-wonderful designs in European housewares at the time, and decided that they would try to bring their discoveries back to America, where contemporary design was just beginning to catch on.

The duo sent home copper pots, white bistro dinnerware, hand blown glass and ceramic bowls. Their makeshift storefront, a renovated space in an elevator factory, was filled with fun home products. Having no money left over for displays, the two decided to cleverly stack their shipping crates and barrels to display their merchandise, giving Crate and Barrel its unusual name.

Crate and Barrel Today

Today, Crate and Barrel has expanded to include over 150 stores across the US and one in Canada. Employing over 7,500 people, Crate and Barrel gradually became the leading retailer of lifestyle furniture. This genre is a little contemporary, and quite a bit something else. It incorporates classic lines, bold colors, interesting materials, and rich culture to create spaces full of fun furniture and accessories.

Crate and Barrel furniture often contains cultural underpinnings, including Scandinavian Contemporary, Asian Fusion, British Colonial, and American Cottage. The furniture available at Crate and Barrel is designed to work together in your home without clashing. Their furniture and home accessories are priced at the higher end of the spectrum, so many people choose to use Crate and Barrel furniture as accent pieces.

Crate and Barrel CB2: An Affordable Alternative

Crate and Barrel has recently launched a new retail store, dubbed CB2, to offer a wider range of consumers Crate and Barrel style at an affordable price. Prices at Crate and Barrel 2 are typically 40-50% less, though the selection is not as diverse as the original Crate and Barrel. This price point makes CB2 and American competitor with Sweden-based IKEA, and an interesting retailer to watch.